Health and Safety Policy — Ealing Man with Van

Ealing Man with Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all staff, subcontractors and the public while delivering rubbish removal and waste collection services. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with man-and-van operations, collections of household and commercial waste, and disposal of materials. The company will ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into daily operations, planning and service delivery so that everyone involved is protected from harm and duties under applicable health and safety law are met.

Scope and applicability: this policy applies to all employees, agency staff and contractors engaged in rubbish clearance, bulky item collection, waste removal and van-based transport activities. It covers work at client premises, on public highways and at transfer or recycling sites. Management will ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to maintain standards and that every worker understands their responsibilities. The policy is reviewed regularly to reflect operational changes and improved waste handling practices.

Responsibilities: senior management shall provide leadership, set objectives and ensure compliance with safety obligations. Supervisors and drivers must carry out risk assessments, maintain vehicle safety standards and supervise safe working practices. Employees are required to follow instructions, report hazards and use provided protective equipment. The company emphasises shared responsibility: management will train and support staff and staff will act to reduce risks in rubbish collection, refuse haulage and site handling tasks.

Operational procedures and safe systems

Operational controls are established for routine and non-routine tasks including loading, unloading, manual handling of bulky waste, and segregation of recyclables. Vehicles are inspected daily and maintained to a safe standard; drivers receive instruction on safe driving, load securing and route planning. The company enforces use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, hi-vis clothing and suitable footwear, and provides clear procedures for dealing with hazardous finds during clearance, including sharps, chemical containers and asbestos suspicion.

Manual handling and lifting: safe techniques, tools and mechanical aids are provided and used where practicable to reduce strain and injury. Staff are trained in team lifts, trolley use and use of hoists where provided. The company conducts regular manual handling assessments and adjusts tasks or staffing to reduce risk. Workers must not attempt lifts beyond their capability and should seek assistance or use equipment when required. Training is updated periodically to reflect changes in task profiles.

Controls and safeguards include:

• Risk assessments for each job type and site before work begins
• Safe loading and vehicle restraint procedures to prevent shifting loads during transit
• Segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste for safe transport and disposal
• Emergency response plans, including spill control and first aid provision
• Preventive maintenance and recorded inspections of vans and equipment

Training, competence and communication

The company provides induction and ongoing training so that all operatives are competent in their roles. Training covers manual handling, vehicle safety, hazardous waste awareness, incident reporting and use of PPE. Records of training and qualifications are maintained. Internal communications ensure safety notices, updates to procedures and relevant legislation are conveyed promptly to drivers and crew. The business encourages open reporting of near misses and unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal to foster continuous improvement.

Monitoring, incident reporting and continuous improvement: incidents, accidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and analysed to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions. The company conducts regular safety audits and site observations to check compliance with policy and procedures. Performance indicators such as incident rates, vehicle defects and training completion rates are used to drive improvements and to ensure the effectiveness of the waste collection and rubbish clearance operations. Records are retained to demonstrate ongoing compliance.

Review and legal compliance: this policy will be reviewed at least annually or when significant changes to operations occur. The company is committed to meeting applicable health and safety legislation and environmental regulations relevant to rubbish collection, waste transfer and man-and-van services. All workers are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy and to cooperate in implementing controls. Management will provide necessary resources to maintain a safe working environment and to support lawful, responsible waste management practices.